Weight holder attachable to athletic ball striker to be swung

ABSTRACT

A weighting device for use on an athletic ball striker as during swinging of the striker, the striker having a handle, comprising in combination: a receptacle having an opening via which the striker ball striking portion is receivable into the receptacle, with the handle projecting from the receptacle; a retainer positioned for retaining the receptacle to the striker ball striking portion; and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the striker, for use as in striker practice swinging, the retainer including a holder that is applied in a retaining position proximate a local portion of the receptacle, to effect retention of the receptacle to the striker during practice swinging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to swinging of ball strikers, asfor example baseball bats, tennis rackets, and racket ball rackets andmore particularly concerns removably adding weight to a ball striker,for practice swinging purposes.

[0002] When athletes who handle ball strikers warm-up, or train, theycommonly use two strikers, and swing them in unison a few times toloosen muscles. Holding and swinging two strikers is awkward,uncomfortable, and does not achieve the right feel, needed as bygripping and swinging only one striker but one striker does not achieveadditional weight as can be provided by two strikers. There is need toovercome this dilemma, in a simple, effective and efficient manner, asis now provided by the present invention. In a similar manner, there isneed to provide improvements as respects devices for adding weight toball strikers such as baseball bats and tennis rackets, for example.Other strikers include racquet ball, squash and lacrosse rackets,cricket paddles, hockey and polo sticks, and table tennis paddles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is a major object of the invention to provide a simple andeffective weighting device meeting the above need. Basically, the devicecomprises:

[0004] a) a receptacle having an opening via which the striker ballstriking portion is receivable into the receptacle, with the handleprojecting from the receptacle,

[0005] b) a retainer positioned for retaining the receptacle to thestriker ball striking portion,

[0006] c) and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to addsubstantial weight to the striker, for use as in striker practiceswinging,

[0007] d) the retainer including a holder that is applied in a retainingposition proximate a local portion of the receptacle, to effectretention of the receptacle to the striker during said practiceswinging.

[0008] As will be seen, the retainer may be carried to extend at leastpart way along or about the receptacle or a portion of the receptaclewhen the receptacle is closed on the ball striker, and hook and pilefastening material such as VELCRO may be provided to adhere the retainerin fastening position. The retainer may define a closure preferably atleast partly covering the opening in the receptacle that passes the ballstriking portion of the striker, to prevent release or separation of theweighted receptacle during swinging.

[0009] Another object includes provision of a receptacle having multiplewall portions, and the weighting structure is preferably located at orproximate at least one of such wall portions.

[0010] In addition, the weighting structure typically includes metallicmaterial, solid or flowable; it is typically concealed by thereceptacle, and it may include separate localized metallic zones orportions. It may be sewn or otherwise held in a pocket or pocketsprovided by the receptacle, and at the end or at a side or sides of aball striking portion of the striker retained in the receptacle.

[0011] Yet another object includes location of the weighting material ina pocket provided by the receptacle, and in this regard the pocket orpockets may enable selective use of the material in one or more pockets,for adjustable weighting, as to positioning, or as to selectedweighting, or both. The pocket or pockets may be sized to fit differentstrikers or all sizes of strikers.

[0012] A further object includes accommodation to any of the followingtype strikers:

[0013] i) a baseball bat

[0014] ii) a tennis racket

[0015] iii) a squash racket

[0016] iv) a lacrosse looping net carrier, the binder being a flapcarried to fold and bind to a surface of the receptacle

[0017] v) a cricket bat

[0018] vi) a polo head

[0019] vii) a hockey stick head.

[0020] These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as wellas the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fullyunderstood from the following specification and drawings, in which:

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

[0021]FIG. 1 is a front side elevation showing an elongated receptaclereceiving the ball striking portion of a striker, such as a baseballbat, with a retainer wrapped along or over a side of the receptacle, andalso a retainer strap wrapped about an end portion of the receptacle;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a rear side elevation of the receptacle of FIG. 1, andalso showing weight positioning;

[0023]FIG. 3 is an enlarged section taken on lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a view like FIG. 1, but showing the retainer in opencondition;

[0025]FIG. 5 is a view like FIG. 1 or 4, but showing a modification withzipper closure of a lengthwise portion of the retainer;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a view like FIG. 2, but showing a modified positioningof weights, and end protection;

[0027]FIG. 7 is a view like FIG. 4, showing a modification, with use ofslip resistant material in association with the retainer;

[0028]FIG. 8 is a view like FIG. 9 but showing a stretchable fabricretainer;

[0029]FIG. 9 shows use of an indicator in association with weights;

[0030]FIG. 10 is a side elevation showing use of weight added at theknob end of a bat;

[0031]FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view showing use of a weight enclosure atthe knob end of a bat;

[0032]FIG. 12 is a view like FIG. 7 showing a bat protector with aclosure flap;

[0033]FIG. 13 is a view like FIG. 12 but showing use of a closurezipper;

[0034]FIG. 14 is a view like FIG. 12, but showing use of a closure strapor tensioner;

[0035]FIG. 15 is a view like FIG. 12, but showing the protector coveringthe end of the bat;

[0036]FIG. 16 shows suspension of the bat protector and bat as on achain-link fence;

[0037]FIG. 17 illustrates use of a weight retainer, as on a tennisracket;

[0038]FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing positioning ofweights, in the FIG. 17 retainer;

[0039]FIG. 19 is a view like FIG. 17, but showing a zipper closedretainer with weights sewn into the retainer;

[0040]FIG. 20 is a view of a modified tennis racket cover, with weights,and use of zipper and security strap;

[0041]FIG. 21 shows use of a security strap, for a weighted tennisracket protector;

[0042]FIG. 22 is a frontal view of a bag-type weighted protector, for asquash, racket ball or tennis racket;

[0043]FIG. 23 shows use of a weighted protector on a lacrosse device;

[0044]FIG. 24 shows a flap type weighted retainer on the lacrossedevice;

[0045]FIG. 25 shows a flap type weighted protector on a cricket bat;

[0046]FIG. 26 is a section taken on lines 26-26 of FIG. 25;

[0047]FIG. 27 is a side view showing a weighted protector on a cricketpaddle or bat, employing a retention tensioner, such as a strap ordrawstring;

[0048]FIG. 28 is a view showing a weighted protector for use with a polostick head;

[0049]FIG. 29 shows use of a flap-type weighted protector on a hockeystick head; and

[0050]FIG. 30 shows a weighted protector with a hard plastic portion,for striking purposes, as for striking ice, and also having a slot forexposure of the bottom of a hockey stick head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] It will be understood, as respects the following descriptions,that the contents of my copending application Ser. No. 10/159,826 areincorporated herein, by reference.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a weight holder device is shown at 10,for use on a ball striker such as a baseball bat 100 as during warm-upswinging of the bat. It includes a receptacle 11 having an elongatedopening or slit 12 via which, or through which, a ball striking portion13 of the striker is received. Portion 13 may also be referred to hereinas a “head”. The receptacle has a front side 11 a, a rear side 11 b, adistal end 11 c, and a proximal end at 11 d. In this example, theopening 12 extends from the proximal end lid to a convergence 11 e inthe front side 11 a, and may have a long dimension indicated at 14 inFIG. 2. That dimension is typically sufficient to allow entry of thehead 13 endwise, sidewise through the opening, and endwise into thereceptacle forward sleeve portion 11 f, as well as easy removal from thereceptacle. The receptacle typically consists of flexible fabric orother material which is tough and durable, as for example syntheticresinous (plastic) material.

[0053] The elongated receptacle preferably has wall portions, andtypically at least two of the following:

[0054] i) an elongated front side or first wall portion 16 to extendadjacent, or proximate a side of the head 13 of the bat 100;

[0055] ii) a rear side or second wall portion 17 to extend adjacent orproximate the head rear side;

[0056] iii) a forward or third wall portion 19 to extend forwardly of oradjacent the distal end of the bat head;

[0057] iv) a rearward or fourth wall portion 20 at the proximal end ofthe receptacle, and at the narrowed end 10 c of the bat, near handle 100a of the bat.

[0058] The receptacle further defines an interior cavity or slot 22receiving the head, and wall 16 is slit as at 18, along part of thereceptacle length, the slit intersecting proximal end 11 d. Proximal endopening 100 d of the receptacle intersects the slit 18 to form anenlarged opening 102, for ease of bat reception. The narrowed portion ofthe bat “lays into” opening 100 d.

[0059] As will be seen, a retainer is carried on the receptacle toextend and to be fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle inclose fitting relation to the bat shank.

[0060] In the example, a retainer in the form of a strap 25 is shown inopen position in FIG. 4; and in closed position in FIG. 1. The strap isor may be integral with the proximal end wall portion 11 d of thereceptacle. The receptacle extents 18 a and 18 b turned open in FIG. 4,define a flap or flaps, that have forward and rearward angled edges 25 aand 25 b, convergent and intersecting at 11 e. When flap 18 a is foldedat fold zone 25 d, edge 25 a folds over edge 25 b and over the side ofthe received bat, in close fitting relation. The flap 25 a inner surface25 f may be retained to outer surface 25 q of flap 18 b, as by hook andpile attachment, after spiral winding of one flap over the other,enabling easy opening and closing of the flap 18 a and its adjustablefirm closing of the described enlarged opening 102, as well astightening to closely fit the receptacle to the bat ball strikingportion, while at the same time providing very firm attachment of thedevice to the bat, preventing loosening and/or detachment, as duringclub swinging. See FIG. 5. Strap 25 may be wound about the closed flaps,at the proximal end of the receptacle, to effect at least part closingof proximal end opening 102, and VELCRO 25 b on the strap surfaces holdsit closed. Hook and pile structure preferably extends over a wide innerextent of folded back flap 18 a, and a wide outer extent of flap 18 b,as shown, so that the flap 18 a can be adjustably attached in selectedpositions (tightened and loosened), considering the different crosssectional sizes of different bats to be protectively confined.Therefore, versatility of the device is enhanced. The majority ofopening 102 is covered by the flap, as in FIG. 5. The closed flaps havetaper toward handle 100 a, as seen in FIG. 5, due to bat shank taper,locking the receptacle to the bat against endwise separation as duringpractice swinging.

[0061] Further in accordance with the invention, weighting structure iscarried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the head weight,for use in bat swinging; and it may typically be carried by a receptacleinner sleeve 40 that fits endwise into receptacle outer sleeve 41. SeeFIGS. 2 and 3.

[0062] The weighting structure is so carried that it is located at orproximate one of the following:

[0063] i) at least one of such wall portions on at least one sleeve;

[0064] ii) at least two of such wall portions on at least one sleeve;

[0065] iii) at least three of such wall portions, on at least onesleeve;

[0066] iv) at least four such wall portions on at least one sleeve.

[0067] In FIGS. 1-4, the weighting structure includes two metallicweights 35 and 36 located in pockets 35 a and 36 a at or near the distalend of sleeve 40. Such pockets may be formed by receptacle or sleevematerial. The thickness of each weight is typically less than its lengthand less than its width, as shown. The pockets may be closed to hold theweights in positions, as described. The weights are retained in selectedposition or positions as by the sleeve or sleeves as shown, and thepockets may be selectively attached (for example sewn) to sleeve wallfabric, as by hook and pile elements, or other structure. The pocketscan be adjustably or permanently attached to sleeve 40.

[0068] Weight material may alternatively consist of metallic granules ornon-metallic pebbles or particulates.

[0069] FIGS. 1-4 show a preferred example of the invention.

[0070]FIG. 5 is generally like FIGS. 1-4, except that a zipper 200 isused to close the flaps 18 a and 18 b, along their edges. The zipperextends from 11 e to 100 d, as shown and as described above, and itcloses in the direction toward 100 d, to allow bat entry into thereceptacle in zipper open position. Strap 25 wraps about the closed endof the receptacle, and about the zipper handle 202, for securing thezipper in closed condition. The strap may extend through a buckle loop203, to turn back and fasten VELCRO 25 b to corresponding VELCRO on thestrap surface, thereby providing a firm lock, which is releasable whendesired.

[0071] The weights 204 and 205 may be carried in a pocket 206 that isfastened in a selected position in the receptacle, as by VELCRO 207.Multiple such weighted pockets may be used, and selectively positionedalong or about the bat axis.

[0072]FIG. 6 shows a version generally like FIGS. 1-4, but employing acushion 210 such as foamed plastic, at the distal end 211 of thereceptacle 11′, which may be like receptacle 11. Note taper of thereceptacle toward the bat handle 10 a, which ‘locks’ the receptacle tothe tapered bat, preventing detachment of the receptacle or weights 235from the bat. The weight 235 may be attached to the receptacle asdescribed in FIG. 3.

[0073]FIG. 7 is generally like FIGS. 1-4, except that slip resistantmaterial 218 may be applied in a local zone between the bat surface andthe inner surface 219 of the receptacle or protector flap 18 a foldedagainst the bat surfaces, and then to overlap flap 18 b, as describedabove. This prevents centrifugal sliding of the receptacle 11 along thebat, during swinging.

[0074]FIG. 8 shows a receptacle 11″ of the type described above, butconsisting of resiliently stretchable material, such as NEOPRENE. Thisallows stretching of the receptacle to fit about larger diameter bats224. Weights are provided internally at 225 at the distal end of thereceptacle. A security strap 227 is wrapped about the proximate end ofthe receptacle, and may be held in place with VELCRO or a buckle.

[0075] In FIG. 9, weights 228 are provided in one location near thedistal end of receptacle 229 that receives the bat 230, and notdistributed about the bat or receptacle axis. This enables developmentof angular momentum about the bat axis as the bat is swung, promotingwrist roll training of the user, during a practice swing. The weightsmay be located at the upper side of the receptacle as the user holds thebat forwardly before swinging. Wrist roll is toward the pitcher. Aweight indicator is provided at 228 a.

[0076] In FIGS. 10 and 11, weights are provided as at 35 and 36 in FIG.3, at the distal end of the receptacle 11, and also at the knob end ofthe bat 13, i.e. at the end of the handle 100. A small receptacle 235holding weights 236 fits over the knob 237, and is held in place by astrap 238 carried by 235 and tightened about the handle 100 adjacent theknob. This provides some weight balance at opposite ends of the bat,during swinging. See also strap buckle 239.

[0077] The form of the invention seen in FIG. 12 is like FIGS. 1-4,except that no separate weights are provided, whereby bat protection isprovided by the receptacle 11. Elements are numbered the same as inFIGS. 1-4. FIG. 13 is like FIG. 5, employing a zipper 200, but, again,no separate weights are provided. FIG. 14 is like FIG. 12, except that adrawstring 25 d is provided, instead of a strap 25, and tightens thereceptacle proximal end about the bat, when pulled. In FIG. 15, theflexible protector or receptacle 241 is like receptacle 11, but extendslengthwise about the entire bat 242. The narrowed open end 241 a of thereceptacle extends beyond the knob end 242 a of the bat, and may betightened or closed, as by a draw-type strap or string 243 like 25 d.The protector protects against nicking or scratching of the bat surface.The enlarged distal end of the protector may be weighted, as at end zone241 b, for swing-weight purposes as described above.

[0078]FIG. 16 shows a receptacle 11, as in FIGS. 1-4, with strap 25suspended by a chain link fence mesh 255. A clip may be connected to 25to hang from the mesh.

[0079]FIGS. 17 and 18 show an enlarged receptacle 265 enveloping theball striking portion of a tennis racket 266, having projecting handle266 a. VELCRO on folds 267 and 268 (like 18 a and 18 b) is adapted toretain the slitted receptacle in closed condition. Weights 269 and 270are located at opposite sides of the receptacle, for racket balance,during swinging. FIG. 19 is like FIGS. 17 and 18, except that aperipheral zipper 275 is used to close folds 276 and 277. The receptaclecan be line with protective material to prevent damage to the racketframe and straps. FIG. 21 shows use of a security strap 279 that wrapsabout the zipper handle 275 a, for added security against unzipping.

[0080] In FIG. 22, the receptacle 285 is of bag type and size, adaptedfor enclosing a square or racket ball racket 286. It has a larger endopening at 287, to be closed by drawstring strap 288. Weights 290 arelocated at the distal end of the receptacle, as shown.

[0081] In FIGS. 23 and 24, a lacrosse stick 300 has a handle 300 a and alooping frame 300 b carrying net 300 c. A flap-type receptacle 301 issized to extend about the frame, and the collapsed net, as in FIG. 24. Areceptacle flap 303 folds back over a side 301 a of the receptacle, forVELCRO closure of contact surfaces 304 and 305. Weights 306 are carriedby the distal end of the receptacle. Similarly, in FIGS. 25-27 a cricketbat 310 has a handle 310 a and a ball striker or paddle 310 b. Areceptacle 311 is sized to receive the paddle enclosure, via its openedproximal end, and a flap 312 on 311 folds at 312 a to engage the VELCROsurfaces at the inner side of the flap, and at 313 on the front of 311,closing the opening and tightly connecting the receptacle to the bat, atnarrowed region 310 c. Weights 314 are carried at the distal end of 311.FIG. 27 shows use of a strap 25 to close the open end of receptacle 311,in the manner of the strap 25 in FIGS. 1-4.

[0082]FIG. 28 shows a polo stick 320, and head 321 to be enclosed byreceptacle 322. A flap 323 closes the receptacle, by VELCRO, at thelower end of the stick 320, to retain it against dislodgement. Weights324 are carried by the receptacle.

[0083] In FIGS. 29 and 30, hockey stick 330 carries a head 331 to beenveloped by receptacle 332. A flap 333 closes the receptacle, bycontact of VELCRO surfaces 333 a and 333 b at the narrowed neck end 330a of the stick to retain it. See folded flap in FIG. 29. Weight orweights 335 are carried by the receptacle at its distal end.

I claim:
 1. A weighting device for use on an athletic ball striker asduring swinging of the striker, the striker having a handle, comprisingin combination: a) a receptacle having an opening via which the strikerball striking portion is receivable into the receptacle, with the handleprojecting from the receptacle, b) a retainer positioned for retainingthe receptacle to the striker ball striking portion, c) and weightingstructure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to thestriker, for use as in striker practice swinging, d) said retainerincluding a holder that is applied in a retaining position proximate alocal portion of the receptacle, to effect retention of the receptacleto the striker during said practice swinging.
 2. The combination ofclaim 1 wherein the receptacle tapers along its length in a directiontoward the holder to fit the striker along its length, whereby thereceptacle is self retaining to the striker during practice swinging. 3.The combination of claim 1 wherein said weighting structure includesmultiple weights located proximate a portion or portions of thereceptacle remote from the holder.
 4. The combination of claim 1 whereinthe holder comprises a flexible wrapper carried by the receptacle to bewrapped about an end portion of the receptacle and fixed in bindingposition.
 5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said holder is asecurity strap carried by the receptacle to be wrapped about an endportion of the receptacle and fixed in binding position.
 6. Thecombination of claim 5 including a looping holder on the receptacle, thestrap extending through the looping holder, and having hook and pilematerial on different portions of the strap to be affixed together whenthe strap is tightened.
 7. The combination of claim 1 including saidstriker having a knob end, a second receptacle removably retained tosaid knob end, and at least one weight carried by the second receptacle.8. The combination of claim 1 wherein said receptacle is elongated andsaid opening includes a slit extending lengthwise of the receptacle,there being a closure carried proximate the slit to close the slit alongits length.
 9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said closure includesat least one of the following: i) hook and pile material ii) a zipperhaving an end closely retained to the receptacle iii) a drawstring. 10.The combination of claim 1 wherein the receptacle has the generaloutline form of one of the following: i) a baseball bat ii) a tennisracket iii) a squash racket iv) a lacrosse looping net carrier, thebinder being a flap carried to fold and bind to a surface of thereceptacle v) a cricket bat vi) a polo head vii) a hockey stick headviii) a racquet ball racket.
 11. The combination of claim 1 wherein saidreceptacle has multiple wall portions and said weighting structure islocated at or proximate at least one of said wall portions.
 12. Thecombination of claim 11 wherein said weighting structure is located ator proximate one of the following: i) at least one of said wall portionsii) at least two of said wall portions iii) at least three of said wallportions, iv) at least four of said wall portions.
 13. The combinationof claim 1 wherein said weighting structure includes one of thefollowing: a) metallic material, b) flowable metallic material, c)non-metallic material, d) flowable non-metallic material.
 14. Thecombination of claim 13 wherein said material is concealed by saidreceptacle.
 15. The combination of claim 12 wherein said weightingstructure includes separate local metallic portions.
 16. The combinationof claim 13 wherein said material is held in a pocket or pocketsprovided by the receptacle.
 17. The combination of claim 13 includingsaid striker ball striking portion received in the receptacle, saidstriker comprising one of the following: i) a baseball bat ii) a tennisracket iii) another swingable ball striking device having a handle iv) aracquet ball racket.
 18. The combination of claim 17 wherein saidmaterial is received in a pocket provided by the receptacle.
 19. Thecombination of claim 1 including a clip attached to the strap orreceptacle, and including supporting structure in the form of a mesh, towhich the clip is also attached.
 20. The combination of claim 1including means adjustably connecting said weighting structure to thereceptacle.
 21. The combination of claim 1 including the striker, andincluding slip-resistant material adhering the receptacle to thestriker.
 22. The combination of claim 1 including the striker, and saidreceptacle consisting of stretchable fabric material.
 23. Thecombination of claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes hard plasticmaterial covering a major portion of the striker.
 24. The combination ofclaim 1 wherein the weighting structure is presented upwardly to provideangular momentum when the striker is swung, for exerting rotary force onthe wrist of the user.
 25. A weighting device for use on an athleticball striker as during swinging of the striker, the striker having ahandle, comprising in combination: a) a receptacle having an opening viawhich the striker ball striking portion is receivable into thereceptacle, with the handle projecting from the receptacle, b) aretainer positioned for retaining the receptacle to the striker ballstriking portion, c) and including said striker with said ball strikingportion received into the receptacle, d) said retainer including aholder that is applied in a retaining position proximate a local portionof the receptacle, to effect retention of the receptacle to the strikerduring said practice swinging.
 26. The combination of claim 25 whereinsaid holder includes at least one of the following: i) a flap associatedwith receptacle, to be folded and held in position for endwise retainingthe receptacle to the striker ii) a strap associated with the receptacleto be wrapped about an end of the striker iii) a drawstring associatedwith the receptacle to be tightened about an end of the striker iv) azipper associated with the receptacle to close the receptacle about thestriker.
 27. The method of providing a weighting device on an athleticball striker for use as during swinging of the striker, that includes a)providing a receptacle having an opening via which the striker ballstriking portion is receivable into the receptacle, with the handleprojecting from the receptacle, b) providing a retainer positioned forretaining the receptacle to the striker ball striking portion, c)providing weighting structure carried by the receptacle to addsubstantial weight to the striker, for use as in striker practiceswinging, d) said retainer including a holder, and including the step ofapplying the holder in a retaining position proximate a local portion ofthe receptacle, and manipulating the holder to effect retention of thereceptacle to the striker and against dislodgement from the strikerduring practice swinging.
 28. The method of claim 27 including one ofthe following having a ball striking portion received into thereceptacle: i) a baseball bat ii) a tennis racket iii) a squash racketiv) a lacrosse looping net carrier, the binder being a flap carried tofold and bind to a surface of the receptacle v) a cricket bat vi) a polohead vii) a hockey stick head viii) a racquet ball racket.
 29. Themethod of claim 27 wherein the receptacle is provided to have bag shape.30. The method of claim 27 wherein said weighting structure is providedat opposite sides of the receptacle adapted to extend adjacent oppositefaces of the striker.